Santiago City, Philippines – The University of La Salette, Inc. successfully launched “Tarabay”, a capacity-building program focused on health, on July 5, 2025. This initiative is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Kagawads from Cabulay and Nabbuan.

The “Tarabay” program aims to reinforce efforts towards achieving Universal Health Care goals, fostering solidarity in promoting community wellness, emphasizing the value of ongoing professional development for health workers, and facilitating resource sharing for the attainment of healthy and resilient communities.

The initial phase of the “Tarabay” program included several vital sessions designed to equip participants with essential health knowledge and practical skills. Dr. Wifrido Simbul, ULS Director for Health and Wellness, led the session on Community-Based Disease Prevention, offering crucial insights into effective preventive health strategies at the local level. Following this, a dedicated session on Health Promotion & Education addressed critical public health concerns such as Dengue, Leptospirosis, and Rabies. This segment featured Master of Science in Nursing students from the ULS Graduate School—Fredmar Faustine M. Nitura, RN, LPT; Irene G. Verdillo, RN, LPT; Ellirose B. Acio, RN; and Ethel M. Oaña, RN—as resource speakers. The program culminated with “Salin-Kaalaman: Health Skills Training,” a hands-on session that provided practical health skills. This training was facilitated by ULS Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) and Pharmacy students, including Rachielle Tolentino, Janielle Agonoy, Glovelyn Gonzales, Marian Moscoso, EJ Mamaclay, and Lara Andres.

The “Tarabay” program is a collaborative effort implemented by the ULS Graduate School, led by Vice President for Academic Affairs, Madeilyn B. Estacio, PhD; the College of Nursing, Public Health and Midwifery Extension Program, headed by Marvin Galicia, RN; and the College of Medicine and Allied Medical Programs Extension Service, led by Mr. Jefren Lloyd Gonzales, RMT.

The initiative was organized by the Community Extension Program Office – La Salette Pananagutan Center, with valuable support from Salettinian Volunteers from the College of Nursing, Public Health and Midwifery (CONPHM), College of Medicine and Allied Medical Programs (CMAMP), and the College of Accountancy.